The Real Story of Cinco de Mayo

By: Brad Beckett

Today is May 5th….aka Cinco de Mayo.  It seems like every year we hear more & more about America’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations – especially with the increased commercialization of Mexican food, beer, and culture.  But exactly what is Cinco de Mayo?  Well, for starters, it is not Mexican Independence Day (that’s 9/16), but rather a celebration of Mexico’s underdog victory over the French outside of Mexico City on May 5, 1862.  And, it’s not really celebrated in Mexico.  However, the holiday has been “Americanized” to celebrate Mexican-American heritage & culture….which is, of course, part of the rich cultural fabric of America that truly makes “e pluribus unum” ring true!  Happy Cinco de Mayo and of course, stay safe and have a Happy Friday!!!